Integration and living together in Luxembourg

Integration and coexistence policy in Luxembourg

Every year, Luxembourg sees its population increase significantly due to a growing economy. Net migration is largely positive.

As a result, the integration of these new arrivals is a major challenge for the Grand Duchy. These numerous immigrants from other European countries or other continents must be able to integrate easily and quickly in order to participate effectively in the country's development.

Furthermore, the challenge of living together is crucial for Luxembourg. It is not onlya question of integrating new foreign arrivals, but also of promoting social cohesion and enabling different cultures to live together in harmony.

In Luxembourg, the state, local authorities, and civil society work together to ensure the successful integration of new arrivals. But successful integration depends above all on you.

You will also find our tips for a successful expatriation in Luxembourg here.

What can you do to integrate in Luxembourg?

Integrating easily in Luxembourg, as in any other country, means understanding and adapting to the local culture while establishing social ties. Here are a few tips to help you:

Learning the local languages is key to integration

Luxembourg has three official languages: Luxembourgish, French, and German. Although English is widely spoken, speaking at least one of the local languages greatly facilitates integration. This will show your willingness to get involved locally .

Luxembourgish is the national language. Although less widely used than French or German, learning a few basics can impress and be appreciated by Luxembourgers.

French and German are often used in government offices, schools, and the workplace.

Get involved in the community to promote your integration

Your integration will depend above all on yourself and your ability to participate in various traditional and cultural events. Find our calendar of key events in Luxembourg here.

Take part in traditional or cultural events, festivals, or gatherings organized by local associations. This will make it easier for you to learn about the local culture and meet other residents. We particularly recommend local festivals such as the Fête de la Musique, the National Day on June 23 , and the Advent Markets.

You can also meet other expats by joining an association or participating in community projects. This will also allow you to actively contribute to local society. For expat spouses, this can also be an excellent way to find a job more easily.

Joining online social groups or participating in local clubs can also help you make friends and better understand the culture.

In addition, your integration will also depend on the relationships you build with your neighbors. Don't hesitate to participate in the Fête des Voisins (Neighbors' Day) or knock on their doorsto introduce yourself when you arrive in Luxembourg. If you invite them over for a drink, don't necessarily expect to be invited back. Invitations to people's homes are really a cultural thing.

Understanding local cultural values

Luxembourgers value discretion and respect for traditions. It is important to be polite and respectful of social rules, while remaining open to interaction.

Also try Luxembourgish cuisine and its specialties, such as Judd mat Gaardebounen (pork with beans) or Kachkéis (cooked cow's milk cheese).

Be open and patient to integrate in Luxembourg

Integrating into Luxembourg can take time. Be open to meeting new people and experiencing cultural differences, and be patient. Luxembourgers are welcoming, but it can sometimes take time to build strong relationships.

Find out what expats in Luxembourg think about their host country here.

Integration of newcomers: what support is available?

Use local resources

The Luxembourg authorities offer numerous programs to help newcomers. You will have easy access to language courses. You can also get information about daily life and advice on professional opportunities.

Education and learning Luxembourgish

Foreign children arriving in Luxembourg benefit from a specific welcome program that allows them to integrate quickly and easily. This program is general and has been set up by the Ministry of Education.

In addition, the Luxembourg school system offers personalized language support to foreign students enrolling in public schools.

Furthermore, employees are granted 200 hours of training leave throughout their professional life in Luxembourg to enable them to learn Luxembourgish and thus integrate more easily into economic life.

Here you will find everyday expressions and words in Luxembourgish. They will be very useful in helping you settle in Luxembourg.

The National Action Plan for Integration in Luxembourg

Implemented by the Ministry of Family Affairs, the National Action Plan for Integration provides for the integration of all non-Luxembourg residents. More specifically, applicants for international protection receive social support.

The Reception and Integration Contract (CAI)

In addition to the above measures, the Luxembourg government has developed innovative integration measures for new arrivals (over the age of 16). These measures, which are brought together under the "Reception and Integration Contract" (CAI), aim to help people discover or become more familiar with the values of the Grand Duchy.

CAI beneficiaries have access to:

• discounted language courses (Luxembourgish, French, and/or German) in order to achieve at least level A.1 in one of the three reference languages in Luxembourg,
• civics classes on living together in a multicultural Luxembourg: Luxembourgish traditions and customs, the basics of Luxembourg's rich history, and the country's political organization,
• a free orientation day to familiarize themselves with official organizations in a friendly atmosphere.

This basic knowledge about Luxembourg is necessary to acquire Luxembourgish nationality.

Diversity Charter and Diversity Day Lëtzebuerg

Every year since 2015, the Lëtzebuerg Diversity Charter has organized Diversity Day Lëtzebuerg. For this national day, various economic actors come together around concrete actions to promote diversity and advocate for inclusion.

In 2016, Just Arrived signed the Diversity Charter in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere at the Casino in Mondorf-les-Bains!

Taking action for diversity means recognizing the differences between people and embracing different human profiles, regardless of origin, culture, generation, gender, physical appearance, disability, sexual orientation, etc .

Organizations working for the integration of immigrants

A number of public organizations work to welcome new residents and integrate them as quickly as possible.

Higher Council for Intercultural Living and Integration

A new organization was created in Luxembourg in 2024: the High Council for Intercultural Coexistence. Replacing the former National Council for Foreigners, this new body aims to go beyond simple integration. Created in 1993, the National Council for Foreigners excluded foreigners who had obtained Luxembourgish nationality.

However, in a country where nearly 50% of the resident population is foreign, the challenge is to create social cohesion through intercultural coexistence for all people living or working in Luxembourg, regardless of their nationality or degree of integration in Luxembourg.

The Higher Council for Intercultural Coexistence therefore welcomes all Luxembourg residents, as well as cross-border workers, provided they join the working groups set up across Luxembourg's 100 municipalities.

More information on the Higher Council for Intercultural Living Together

Social organizations for reception and integration

ONA - National Reception Office

Created in 2019, the National Reception Office (ONA) is an administration under the authority of the Ministry of Family, Solidarity, Living Together and Reception. It isresponsible for organizing the reception of applicants for international protection. It also manages temporary accommodation facilities reserved for applicants for international protection, refugees, and persons eligible for subsidiary protection.

The ONA website provides further information on the ONA's responsibilities and the reception system in place in Luxembourg.

ASTI - Association for the Support of Immigrant Workers

ASTI provides information on immigration and international protection: work permits, residence permits, visas, etc. It also offers language courses.

ASTI's "Connections" project, developed with financial support from the Oeuvre Nationale de Secours Grande-Duchesse Charlotte, prepares refugees for the Luxembourg labor market in order to promote their employment.

For more information about ASTI, visit the official website.

CLAE - Comité de liaison des Associations d'Etrangers (Liaison Committee for Foreigners' Associations)

The CLAE asbl platform for reception, information, cultural and linguistic mediation was created in 1985. It is approved by the Ministry of Family Affairs.
The CLAE welcomes migrant families to Luxembourg, informing them of their rights and providing information on entering the country according to their status. The CLAE also provides assistance with certain administrative procedures.

In addition, CLAE organizes the annual Festival of Migration, Culture, and Citizenship, a key event in Luxembourg's social, political, and cultural life.

Rencontres sans Frontières (Encounters Without Borders) is one of the annual events organized by the City of Luxembourg in collaboration with the CLAE. Every year in June, this sporting and cultural event offers a varied program: beach volleyball and soccer tournaments, and various activities aimed at bringing together multinational teams to promote integration. A great atmosphere is guaranteed!
For more information about this event, visit www.rsf.lu.

Luxembourg Accueil Asbl

Founded in 1977, the Luxembourg Accueil association welcomes families of all nationalities to Luxembourg. With over 1,000 members and 50 nationalities, the association is run by volunteers and the City of Luxembourg.

The association organizes opportunities to meet other people and create links between members in order to facilitate the integration of newcomers and residents in Luxembourg. Families can participate in a wide range of activities, designed for all ages and tastes, conducted in French. These include:

• artistic or creative activities: sewing, cooking, decoration, floral art, photography, theater, drawing, painting, and calligraphy workshops
• cultural visits,
• sports activities, hikes to discover Luxembourg's landscapes,
• language courses in German, French, Luxembourgish, English, and Italian
• lectures,
• exhibition visits,
• yoga, sophrology, and flexibility workshops,
• themed coffee meetings.

Registration for activities takes place at the association's office from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Annual membership fee is approximately €20. For more information, visit the official Luxembourg Accueil website.